ABOUT THE STORY WITHIN COUNSELLING

Individual & Couples Counselling in Nanaimo, BC

Understand your story. Live the life that feels like you.

I created The Story Within because so many of us are stressed, stuck, or disconnected — and we need a place to feel understood, talk it out, find better ways of coping, and actually start feeling lighter.

Here, you don’t need the perfect words or a five-step plan. Together, we’ll untangle what’s going on and find real shifts that make life feel calmer, clearer, and more doable.

Meet Your Counsellor

I’m Deanna — a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) who’s been told I have a knack for “getting it” without you having to explain every detail. Clients often describe me as warm, grounded, and easy to talk to… someone who will remember your story and hold it with the care it deserves.

I don’t believe in labels or one-size-fits-all advice. My approach is steady, intuitive, and grounded in real connection. I know what it’s like to go through struggles myself, and that lived experience shapes the way I work: with honesty, empathy, and a belief that growth doesn’t have to look a certain way.

That means you’ll never get a generic plan from me. Instead, I’ll offer tools, ideas, and handouts that are tailored to your life and your goals — resources you can actually use between sessions to keep the work moving forward.

In session, I’m a real person, not a blank slate. I laugh, cry, and yes, I’ll swear if it fits. Because therapy works best when it feels like two humans talking.

If you come in for an in-person session, you might also meet my cat, Dave. He’s a part-time receptionist, part-time nap enthusiast, and full-time loving fur ball.

APPROACHES

We’ll work with a range of approaches based on your needs, goals, and level of comfort, such as:

You don’t need to know what these mean for them to help. I’ll explain everything in plain language, and you’ll always have a say in the process.

    • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

    • Relational Life Therapy (RLT)

    • Relational Somatic Therapy

    • Parts Work (Internal Family Systems / IFS)

    • Inner Child Work

    • Non-Violent Communication

    • Family Systems Theory

    • Experiential Therapy

    • Attachment-Based Therapy

    • Compassion-Focused Therapy

    • Transpersonal Approaches

What matters most in our work together.

Therapy isn’t just about techniques and tools, though. My approach is grounded in values and beliefs that guide every session:

Every person is inherently good and lovable.

Nothing you’ve been through can take that away.

Healing means having choices.

Real change happens when you’re able to respond, not just react.

All emotions are welcome here.

Even the messy ones. Especially the messy ones.

Therapy should feel human.

Respectful, real, and collaborative — not boring, clinical, or judgemental.

Insight is powerful, but connection is transformative.

Feeling truly understood can shift things in a way nothing else does.

How to get started:

01 /

Book a free 15-minute consult or dive right in with your first session

Some people like to start with a quick call to see if we’re a good fit. Others prefer to just book a session and get started. Either way works, and you can choose what feels best for you.

02 /

Start your first session

From day one, we’ll talk about what’s been going on and what you’re hoping will feel different. Together, we’ll set clear goals so you know where we’re heading and how our work can support you.

03 /

Keep building, step by step

As we meet, you’ll get practical tools and insights that make sense for your life. We’ll check in on your goals regularly so you can see your progress, stay on track, and feel hopeful about where you’re headed.

Your next chapter starts here.

No matter how long you’ve been stuck in the same patterns, change is always possible. If you’re ready to take the first step, let’s figure it out together.